Homeschooling Ban Put on Hold

March 30, 2008

CBNNews.com – A California state court will reconsider its ruling that could outlaw homeschooling — raising hopes in the homeschooling community that the justices will reverse their action.Last month the court ruled that parents who educate their children at home could be criminally liable under California law. The justices ruled that parents “do not have a constitutional right to home school their children.”

The court argued that only credentialed teachers could educate children. The family at the center of the case home schooled their eight children, but did not hold a teaching certifcation.Many pro-family groups viewed the ruling as troublesome because California’s public schools have some of the more liberal laws in the nation regarding teaching about sexuality and homosexuality.

They feared the court’s published opinion would force thousands of families to stop homeschooling.

Attorneys with the Alliance Defense Fund were among those who asked the court to reconsider the ruling.

“Another look at this case will help ensure that the fundamental rights of parents are fully protected,” they argued.

Michael Farris of The Homeschool Legal Defense Fund Association also called the court’s decision to rehear the case a “great first step.”

“We are very glad that this case will be reheard and that this opinion has been vacated, but there is no guarantee as to what the ultimate outcome will be,” he said.

He added that this case remains the association’s top priority. The court will hear the case in June.

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzeneggar said he will intervene if the ruling is not overturned.